Firing up the grill and spreading the warmth

Heritage Heights residents enjoy a convoy of classic cars to go with their cookout

By Joanie Allbee

On August 14, Saugus Housing Authority held its annual cookout for Heritage Heights Elderly Complex joined by the Tenant Association.

Maintenance team Guy Moley, Mark DePippo, Jarrod Middleton, Sean Ring, Tyler Oxley and Director of Operations Josh Bennet tended to usual preparations for a cookout. The lawns were landscaped, outdoor tables set up and extra touches of canopies placed to provide shade for dining guests. The team went above and beyond with firing up the grill, flipping burgers and dogs and once off the grill running them inside to awaiting steaming trays. They took loaned personal DJ equipment and set it up so 70s & 80s tunes could rock the air. Additionally, on their own time they thoughtfully arranged for antique car owners to come and show their cars. As a result of the maintenance team’s extra efforts, guests had a grand time.

The street was lined with an elegant array of cars with proud owners engaging with guests. “We are a band of retired guys who came to show our cars to Saugus Heritage seniors so they can reminisce and have great memories,” Bob Puopolo said.

One such grateful person to see all the antique cars was Kathy Murphy. Ray Willis and several of the car owners were captivated by hearing Kathy reminisce about how she learned to drive in a 1967 Buick Skylark and how her father taught her road trip safety, auto knowledge and car repair necessities to ensure his daughter would have safe travels. Willis, who owned the cherry red 1967 Buick Skylark, smiled and gently guided Ms. Murphy back behind the wheel and in the driver’s seat of his Skylark for a trip down memory lane.